The play calling seems a little suspect today..and the three picks thrown by DRob have not helped but they have regaind the lead and now need the defense to take over...with almost 18 mins left in the game.

Michigan seems to be making effective defensive adjustments at halftime this year. The D is the difference between this team and the last few years, even though it is the same athletes.

Giving up 12.5 ppg this year so far compared to more than 35 ppg last year.

In terms of adjusted defense (expected score yielded again an average offensive team, Michigan now ranks 7th in the nation... with MSU effectively tied at 8th). That is an amazing turn around for just having some coaching changes.

And this is what Brady Hoke and Mattison were handed- article form last year:

Michigan’s defense isn’t just bad, it’s historically bad. The Wolverines rank 99th in the nation in points allowed and 112th in the nation in yards allowed. In 11 games, Michigan has given up 2,241 more yards than Ohio State. So what?
Former Ohio State linebacker Chris Spielman has called it the worst defense in the history of Michigan football.
“They are so bad,“ Spielman on his radio show on 97.1 WBNS in Columbus this week. “They can’t tackle. In my way of thinking, I don’t know how they got this bad on defense.“
No biggie.
“My god, the statistics are terrible,“ former OSU coach Earle Bruce said. “They can’t stop the pass, they can’t stop the run. They’re helpless and they’ve been that way for a few years.“

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They've cause a ton of turnovers so far this year which probably won't be sustainable, but I'm very optimistic that within 4 years when all of their recruits are established, Michigan will once again be known for toughness.

BIG TENThe teams: Illinois, Michigan, WisconsinThe buzz: Illinois plays Michigan and Wisconsin, but the Badgers and Wolverines don't meet – at least not in the regular season. Illinois is one of the nation's most intriguing stories, given that its three best players turned pro a year early following last season. QB Nathan Scheelhaase has made strides as a passer, senior WR A.J. Jenkins has become a big-play guy after not doing much of anything earlier in his career and the defense has some playmakers. Illinois (6-0) has played just once on the road, though, and that was against woeful Indiana. The Illini have to play Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin back-to-back-to-back in late October/early November, with the Penn State game on the road. The Illini also have Ohio State this weekend. Michigan's defense has made big strides, but this remains a team whose success depends on QB Denard Robinson. The Wolverines (6-0) play just their second road game of the season this weekend, against Michigan State. The Spartans handed the Wolverines their first loss last season, and you know "little brother" wants to beat up on "big brother" for the fourth season in a row. Michigan also has to travel to Illinois and Iowa and gets Nebraska and Ohio State to finish out the regular season. Wisconsin (5-0) has been even better than expected with QB Russell Wilson, who has provided incredible balance for the offense. The defense isn't elite, but can anyone in the Big Ten take advantage? The Badgers have a tough two-game road trip late this month with Michigan State and Ohio State, then close out the regular season with a road game against Illinois and a home game against Penn State. The Big Ten title game would follow, likely against either Michigan, Michigan State or Nebraska. Predicted record for Illinois: 10-2 Predicted record for Michigan: 9-3 Predicted record for Wisconsin: 12-0

Now, if MSU goes...excellent chance of this...Still may go to the game.

I'll see you there, Darth.........

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This isn't a knock on MSU but they picked a bad week to play Wisconsin. Sparty ruined their championship hopes last season. Not this time around. Sparty will still be liking themselves after beating U of M. Wisconsin wants revenge on MSU. The Wisconsin offense sure looks awesome so far.

What 3 additional games do you see them losing? I don't see 4 losses on that schedule...

If Sparty was or real, U of M will lose less than 4 games.. But if Sparty sux and just looked good against a Michigan team that was worse....then they MAYBE lose 4.

Nope, Dre...I just don't see 4 losses. Please point them out. I'll give ou the first one but you name three more...

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I hope they win them all, but the games where a possible loss looms is on the road at Illinois and possible home games with the Nebraska and The Ohio State and some of that depends on Robinson's body

The latter because the players will be so geeked that they have legitimate chance of beating the Buckeyes, that some player(s) will create silly penalties and the coaching staff will play it ultra conservative.
Also heaven forbid Sparty some how or another loses their remaining games, the Wolverines could lose 2 more in conference play, finish ahead of MSU and then lose their 4th game of the season in the big 10 championship game